GMC Acadia

The GMC Acadia is a three-row midsize SUV that fills the gap between the smaller Terrain and the larger Yukon in the GMC lineup. The Acadia is offered in four trim levels, with plenty of available options to go around. For 2022, the SL trim level and its unimpressive 193-horsepower four-cylinder has been dropped from the lineup. The new year also sees more advanced driver aids added as standard equipment, new wheel designs and a new color: Light Stone Metallic.

We like the Acadia for its comfortable ride, powerful V6 upgrade engine and easy-to-use technology features. Sadly, these advantages are kept in check by its disappointing interior quality, somewhat underpowered base four-cylinder engine, and limited third-row and cargo space. As a result, the Acadia ranks below competitors such as the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade and Honda Pilot.

Which Acadia does MatoCar recommend?

The SLT trim gets our vote because it offers far more standard equipment than the base SLE for a relatively small price bump. Some desirable options, such as the Technology and Luxury packages, are also available on the SLT. If you plan on towing, you'll want to get the Denali trim with its standard V6 engine and optional trailering package. This combination provides a 4,000-pound maximum tow rating.

The 2022 GMC Acadia is a six-passenger three-row SUV offered in four trim levels — SLE, SLT, AT4 and Denali — and with one of two engine choices. Most Acadia trim levels have standard front-wheel drive with all-wheel drive as an option. Feature highlights include:

SLE Comes fairly well equipped from the start, with:

228-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine
18-inch wheels
Keyless ignition and entry
Tri-zone automatic climate control
8-inch infotainment touchscreen
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Six-speaker sound system
Active noise cancellation
Five USB ports
OnStar connected services with an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot

GM Pro Safety Plus A comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids standard on all Acadias:

Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
Lane keeping assist (steers the Acadia back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)

SLT The midrange SLT trim receives a bevy of extra features such as:

Roof rails
Hands-free liftgate
Foglights
Remote start
Leather upholstery
Heated front seats
Eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Household-style power outlet for the middle row
Navigation system
Eight-speaker Bose audio system with HD radio

AT4 The AT4 trim is similar to the SLT but has a few extra features that enhance its off-road capability. Those added features include:

310-hp V6 engine
Special 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires
Standard all-wheel drive with componentry specific to the AT4 for greater traction
Hill descent control
Hill hold assist
Black exterior trim

Denali The top-of-the-line Denali forgoes the AT4's off-road features but keeps the V6 engine. Standard feature additions include:

Unique grille
20-inch wheels
Adaptive suspension
Power-folding, heated mirrors
Digital instrument panel
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
Ventilated front seats
Heated second-row seats
Driver's seat memory functions
Eight-way power-adjustable passenger's seat
Wireless charging pad

The Denali is also eligible for two exclusive option packages:

Technology package

Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Acadia and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Acadia and the vehicle in front)
Enhanced automatic braking for forward collision mitigation system
Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)

Denali Ultimate package (requires the Technology package)

Panoramic sunroof
Adaptive suspension dampers (enhance ride comfort and handling stability)
Tow package

Many features found on the upper trim levels are available on supporting trims as options. Other optional features include a rear entertainment system, a second-row bench seat (for seven-passenger seating), and an Elevation Edition package that adds black exterior styling accents and 20-inch wheels.